Finding my space at home

Photo from SheKnows.Com
One of the challenges I've had moving into a small apartment is the lack of space for fitness. Well, this really isn't super accurate as my room back home was super tiny. One of my big, slow-going, personal projects has been making myself a peaceful space where I can focus on my favorite at home workout, yoga.

I use the living room as my practice space- we have a TV where I can watch youtube videos, or download programs to our media center. I am also able to play pandora through the TV, so I can throw on their Yoga station to help me get in the mood. I also have different surfaces around me- I don't have blocks, so it's nice to have a low table right next to me if I need to steady myself.

This room has probably been my biggest project. Keeping it clean and free of distractions is a constant effort. Before I practice I always go through with a plastic bag and pick up anything I can, and use the 30-second rule: If I can do something in less than 30 seconds, I need to get it done! I'll also break out the dust buster in areas around where I put my yoga mat. I light a few lightly-scented candles as well, to calm my thoughts. (I think it works? I really like smelling like a softer version of the Yankee Candle store at least.) I just need to push the coffee table against the couch in order to have enough space to practice.

Currently I use the YogaAccessories Super Thick Yoga Mat which may have been a bit overzealous of me in thickness, because I have carpet. I imagine I'll be loving it when I eventually take the mat with me to a class at the gym. I love how long it is- because we do have carpet and I practice in a high traffic area I don't want to be touching the carpet with my hands, or have my hair flop around. Because the mat is 74" long I am super comfortable stretching out wall-to-wall on it. A problem I've had with previous mats was also solved here - no slippage! A bit TMI, but I get really sweaty hands and feet while I do yoga. With my last GAIAM mat I couldn't even stay in down dog comfortably, but with this mat I feel a lot more comfortable with myself. I also purchased the Aurorae Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag, but I'm not sure if this has actually helped or just made me a little messy.

My Checklist for creating my ideal yoga space:

  1. Pick up all trash, dishes, clean up any dust in the area.
  2. Put on music, like the pandora yoga station.
  3. Push that coffee table over
  4. Light some candles!
  5. Dodge the cat
  6. Get flexible and focused!
  7. After my practice, I will wipe down my yoga mat. I really need to look into a more serious cleaning solution though. I've seen wipes, and make-at-home-sprays, which I think I will go in the direction of. 
Does anyone have tips for yoga in a small space? I love finding new ways to change things up and improve!

11 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm trying to get into the habit of doing it as much as possible, morning in bed, while I watch TV I'll practice poses without going into a sequence, and other times I'll plan it out and be more concentrated. I really love how it adds to my sense of having a completed day. :)
      ❤stephanie

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  2. I wish I could do more yoga! But with little ones running around the space in our tiny home is limited. Have you seen the yoga shoes nike is coming out with in 2012? They are ballet inspired and I want some!!!

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    1. I will be trying to do more, but kids and animals can make it frustrating (in a cute way!) haha. Well, I just have animals hindering me. :)
      Those shoes are so pretty! Much nicer GAIAM yoga socks.
      The photos on your blog are gorgeous! I can't wait to start reading more. I followed you back! :)
      ❤stephanie

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  3. I've never really given yoga a fair chance. We don't have very many places around here to do it(that aren't in horrible neighborhoods)but I could definitely use some relaxation at home. It sounds like you get a lot from it.

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    1. All the studios around me are way too expensive. :( I go off of books/youtube videos for the most part, or remembering what I've done in past classes when I lived at home. It is really nice to have at home; even though I don't feel like I'm doing much I get very focused.
      I hope you are able to try it out soon, a good beginning resource for me was a used copy of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Hittlemans-Yoga-Exercise-Plan/dp/0553277480/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352836546&sr=8-1&keywords=28+day+yoga and Tara Stiles videos! :)
      ❤stephanie

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  4. This is great! I like that prepping for yoga also makes you productive (i.e. cleaning up and doing dishes lol). Don't be too bummed about not being able to go to the gym to do yoga...back when I used to do yoga at the gym I couldn't concentrate because there was always other people's hair floating around on the floor and I just couldn't concentrate! haha well, maybe you will find a cleaner gym than mine was!

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    1. Hahaha, the hair floating has always been a problem for me! Being in down dog and focusing on a strand of hair that drifted onto my mat and IS NOT MINE!!! was always uncomfortable. The yoga class at my current gym is always right after a really intense cardio class (which I go to) and we wipe up the floors after which I hope helps. :( Eventually I'll just take the class and probably enjoy it a ton- they do have a lot of attendees every week!
      ❤stephanie

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  5. The "dodge the cat" bit made me laugh! I don't think my cats or dogs would let me meditate haha

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    1. I think they just get so excited when they see someone on the floor with them. XD It's so cute.
      ❤stephanie

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